Somaliland’s Minister of Livestock, Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed, has revealed that the country exported a staggering 3.7 million head of livestock through the Port of Berbera in the past year alone, underscoring the sector’s vital role as the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Addressing the Standing Committee of the House of Elders (Guurti), the minister announced that his ministry has launched a comprehensive needs assessment and is preparing an ambitious five-year development plan. Key reforms include updating critical laws on animal quarantine and health, alongside implementing new policies on livestock management and fodder quality.
The minister emphasized the importance of ensuring high nutritional standards for exported animals and called on the Guurti to support nationwide awareness campaigns. He urged communities not to resist the construction of protective enclosures (stockades), which are essential for safeguarding livestock during severe droughts.
The update was delivered as the Standing Committee presented its report to the House of Elders Saturday morning.